Splitter module and enclosure for use therein

ABSTRACT

An optical splitter module ( 140 ) can be carried on a cover ( 120 ) of an enclosure ( 100 ) between a contoured surface ( 129 ) and a row of optical adapters ( 130 ). Output pigtails ( 165 ) from the splitter module ( 140 ) are routed to the optical adapters ( 130 ). In certain examples, a significantly longer input fiber ( 161 ) is routed from the splitter module ( 140 ) to a splice region ( 114 ) at a base ( 110 ) of the enclosure ( 100 ). Certain types of splitter modules ( 140 ) are mounted to the cover ( 120 ) at an angle relative to an insertion axis for a feeder cable ( 170 ). A certain type of splitter module ( 140 ) curves about a minor axis (A 2 ) so that one major surface ( 142 ) has a concave curvature and another major surface ( 143 ) has a convex curvature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.61/974,627 filed on Apr. 3, 2014, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Passive optical networks are becoming prevalent in part because serviceproviders want to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities tocustomers. Passive optical networks are a desirable choice fordelivering high speed communication data because they may not employactive electronic devices, such as amplifiers and repeaters, between acentral office and a subscriber termination. The absence of activeelectronic devices may decrease network complexity and/or cost and mayincrease network reliability.

As demand for telecommunications increases, optical fiber services arebeing extended in more and more areas. To more efficiently extend thefiber optic service into areas where current and future customers arelocated, telecommunications enclosures are integrated throughout thenetwork of telecommunications cables. Such enclosures provide connectionlocations where one or more optical fibers of the multi-fiber cable maybe connected to end users/subscribers. Also, the enclosures are adaptedto house and protect telecommunications components such as splices,termination panels, power splitters, and wavelength divisionmultiplexers.

Improvements are Desired.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a splitter moduleincludes a housing; a splitter disposed within an interior of thehousing; an input fiber coupled to the splitter; and output fiberscoupled to the splitter. The input and output fibers extend out of thehousing. The housing includes a first major surface and a second majorsurface. The housing has a major axis extending along the major surfacesfrom a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing. Thehousing also has a minor axis extending along the major surfacesorthogonal to the major axis. In certain examples, the housing iscontoured about the minor axis.

In certain examples, the splitter extends along the major axis of thehousing.

In certain examples, the housing includes a first part and a second partthat cooperate to define the interior.

In certain examples, the minor axis of the housing extends between aconnection end of the housing and an entry end of the housing. The inputfiber enters the housing through the entry end. In an example, the inputfiber is tangentially routed into the housing.

In certain examples, the housing includes a fiber routing spoolarrangement disposed within the interior that enables the output fibersto exit the housing in at least two different directions. In certainexamples, the output fibers exit the housing at an exit hole inwardlyoffset from the entry end of the housing.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, an enclosurearrangement includes a base defining a splice region; and a covercoupled to the base to move between a closed position and an openposition. The cover and the base cooperate to define an interior whenthe cover is in the closed position. The cover provides access to theinterior when in the open position. Ruggedized adapters are disposed onthe cover. Each ruggedized adapter has a first port accessible from aninner side of the cover and a second port accessible from an outer sideof the cover. A splitter module is disposed at the inner side of thecover. Each splitter module includes a splitter disposed in a splitterhousing. An input fiber coupled to one end of the splitter and aplurality of splitter output pigtails are coupled to another end thesplitter. The input fiber is routed to the splice region of the base.The splitter output pigtails have connectorized ends.

In certain examples, the cover defines a pocket at the inner side. Thesplitter module is disposed in the pocket. In an example, the ruggedizedadapters are disposed on the cover in a first row and a second row andthe pocket is defined between the first row and the second row.

In certain examples, a second splitter module is carried by the cover.The second splitter module extends parallel to the first splittermodule. In certain examples, the ruggedized adapters are angled relativeto the cover and the splitter module is angled relative to the cover.

In certain examples, the housing includes two major surfaces spaced fromeach other by a circumferential edge. The major surfaces have a majoraxis and a minor axis. The major surfaces are contoured about the minoraxis.

In certain examples, the base defines an anchor location at which aninput cable can be anchored. The enclosure arrangement also includes agasket disposed at the base to enable ingress of the input cable and toinhibit ingress of contaminants. The cover is configured to cooperatewith the base to activate the gasket.

In certain examples, a cable routing structure is carried by the coverto direct the input fiber from the splice region to the splitter module.

In certain examples, a length of each splitter output pigtail is shorterthan a length of the input fiber.

In certain examples, the housing defines latch shoulders configured toengage latches disposed at the inner side of the cover.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a method ofconnecting a feeder fiber to a plurality of output fibers includes:routing the feeder fiber into an enclosure having a base and a cover;routing the feeder fiber to a splice region defined at an inner side ofthe base; mounting a splitter module to an inner side of the cover;routing an input fiber of the splitter module to the splice region; andplugging connectorized ends of splitter output pigtails into inner portsof ruggedized adapters on the cover. The splitter module, the ruggedizedadapters, and the splitter output pigtails are carried together by thecover.

In certain examples, the method also includes splicing the feeder fiberto the input fiber at the splice region.

In certain examples, the method also includes activating a sealingarrangement by moving the cover relative to the base to a closedposition.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the description, illustrate several aspects of the presentdisclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example optical splitter moduleconfigured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the optical splitter module of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the optical splitter module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the optical splitter module ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the optical splitter module of FIG.1;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the optical splitter module ofFIG. 1 with a first part of a splitter housing exploded away from asecond part of the splitter housing to expose an interior of thesplitter housing;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the optical splitter module of FIG.6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example enclosure arrangementconfigured to carry one or more of the optical splitter modules of FIG.1, the enclosure arrangement being arranged in the closed position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the enclosure arrangement of FIG. 8arranged in the open position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an interior side of a cover of theenclosure arrangement of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 10 taken alongthe 11-11 line of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

In general, the disclosure relates to a splitter module and an enclosurein which the splitter module can be utilized.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example splitter module 140 configured to receiveat least one input fiber 161 and a plurality of output pigtails 165 (seeFIG. 4). The splitter module 140 includes a housing 141 enclosing anoptical splitter 160 (see FIG. 6). Signals carried by the input fiber161 are split (e.g., power split) onto the output pigtails 165 by theoptical splitter 160. Each output pigtail 165 has a connectorized end166 (see FIG. 4).

In some examples, the input fiber 161 has an unconnectorized end. Inother examples, the input fiber 161 has a connectorized end.

The splitter housing 141 has a first major surface 142 connected to asecond major surface 143 by a circumferential edge (see FIGS. 1-3). Thesplitter housing 141 defines an interior 158 between the major surfaces142, 143 (see FIG. 6). The housing 141 has a major axis A1 extendingalong the major surfaces 142, 143 from a first end 145 of the housing141 to a second end 146 of the housing 141. The housing 141 also has aminor axis A2 extending along the major surfaces 142, 143 from aconnection end 147 of the housing 141 to a free end 148 of the housing141. The housing 141 is contoured about the minor axis A2 (see FIG. 3).For example, an intermediate region of the housing 141 is disposedfarther rearward than the first and second ends 145, 146 of the housing141 (see FIG. 3). In an example, the first major surface 142 has aconcave curvature and the second major surface 143 has a convexcurvature.

As shown in FIG. 6, the interior 158 of the splitter housing 141 caninclude a splitter mounting region and a fiber routing region 159. Insome implementations, the splitter mounting region is located closer tothe free end 148 than the fiber routing region 159. In certainimplementations, the splitter 160 extends parallel to the major axis A1when the splitter 160 is disposed in the splitter mounting region. Incertain examples, the splitter housing 141 defines an inlet opening 163at the free end 148 of the housing 141; an outlet opening 167 is spacedinwardly from the inlet opening 163 (see FIG. 1). In the example shown,the splitter 160 is disposed between the fiber routing region 159 andthe outlet opening 167. In other examples, however, the splitter 160 canbe mounted anywhere within the interior 158 of the housing 141.

The inlet opening 163 provides access to an inlet channel 164 leadinginto the interior 158 of the splitter housing 141. The inlet channel 164directs the input fiber 161 from the inlet opening 163 towards the fiberrouting region 159. The fiber routing region 159 directs the input fiber161 to a first end 160 a of the splitter 160. In certain examples, theinlet opening 163 and inlet channel 164 are located and oriented todirect the input fiber 161 into the housing 141 along a tangential path.In certain examples, the input fiber 161 may be routed about an innercircumference of the splitter housing 141 between the inlet opening 163and the splitter mounting region.

Output pigtails 165 are connected to a second end 160 b of the splitter160. The output pigtails 165 are routed from the second end 160 b,through the routing region 159, to an outlet channel 168 that ends atthe outlet opening 167. In certain examples, a grip member 181 can bedisposed within the outlet channel 168 to organize and/or retain theoutput pigtails 165 at the outlet opening 167.

In certain implementations, two outlet channels 168 extends towards theoutlet opening 167 from different (e.g., opposite) directions from therouting region 159. For example, a spool arrangement 169 may be disposedwithin the routing region 159. Some of the output pigtails 165 can bewound around the spool arrangement 169 to direct the output pigtails 165to a first outlet channel 168; and others of the output pigtails 165 canbe wound around the spool arrangement 169 to direct the output pigtails165 to a second outlet channel 168. Accordingly, the output pigtails 165can extend out through the outlet opening 167 in different directions.In an example, the spool arrangement 169 includes two spools (or otherbend radius limiters) about which the output pigtails 165 can be woundto direct the output pigtails towards the outlet channels 168.

In certain implementations, the interior 158 of the splitter housing 141also includes a splitter holder location 182 configured to retain asplice sleeve. The splitter holder location 182 enables a repair to bemade to one of the fibers within the splitter module 140.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing 141 includes a first part 156 anda second part 157 that cooperate to define the interior 158. In someimplementations, the first part 156 defines one of the major surfaces142, 143 and the circumferential edge 144; and the second part 157defines the other of the major surfaces 142, 143. In otherimplementations, both parts 156, 157 may define the circumferential edge144. In the example shown, the first part 156 defines the second majorsurface 143 and the circumferential edge 144; and the second part 157defines the first major surface 142. In some implementations, the firstpart 156 is configured to carry the splitter 160 and the second part 157covers an open side of the first part 156 to enclose the splitter 160.In certain implementations, the first part 156 defines the inlet andoutlet channels 164, 168 and the routing region 159; and the second part157 covers the open side of the first part 156 to enclose the channels164, 168 and routing region 159.

In some implementations, various connecting structures hold the secondpart 157 to the first part 156. For example, in certain implementations,latching arms 185 may extends from one of the parts 156, 157 and engagerecesses 186 defined in the other of the parts 156, 157. In certainexamples, the latching arms 185 and recesses 186 are disposed at therouting region 159. In the example shown, the latching arms 185 extendfrom the second part 157 and engage recesses 186 defined in the spoolarrangement 169 of the first part 156. In other implementations, thelatch arms 185 and recesses 186 may be disposed anywhere on the parts156, 157.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the splitter module 140 includes a splittermounting arrangement 150 that aids in holding the splitter module 140 toan enclosure or other structure. In certain implementations, thesplitter mounting arrangement 150 includes ledges 152 defined by one ofthe major surfaces 142, 143. In the example shown, the ledges 152 aredefined by the second major surface 143 and are accessible throughapertures 151 defined in the second major surface 143. For example, theledges 152 may extend laterally into the apertures 151.

In certain implementations, the mounting arrangement 150 includescatches 153 that extend outwardly from the connection end 147 of thesplitter housing 141. The catches 153 define abutment surfaces 154configured to engage a latching hook of a structure. In the exampleshown, two catches 153 extend outwardly from the connection end 147 ofthe housing 141. One of the catches 153 is located at the first end 145of the connection end 147 and the other of the catches 153 is located atthe second end 146 of the connection end 147. In other implementations,the catches 153 may be located anywhere along the connection end 147.

In certain implementations, the mounting arrangement 150 includes aramped stop 155 that extends outwardly from the connection end 147. Theramped stop 155 is tapered to that a ramped surface of the stop 155faces partially towards the first surface 142. In certain examples, theramped stop 155 is disposed between the catches 153. In the exampleshown, the ramped stop 155 is disposed at a central region of theconnection end 147. In other examples, the mounting arrangement 150 maydefine multiple ramped stops 155.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate an example enclosure arrangement 100 in which oneor more of the splitter modules 140 can be disposed. The enclosurearrangement 100 is configured to connect at least one feeder fiber 170to at least two drop fibers 175. The enclosure arrangement 100 definesone or more input ports 108 leading to an interior 107. In certainexamples, the enclosure arrangement 100 includes at least two inputports 108 to support looping the feeder fiber 170 within the enclosure100. In the example shown, the enclosure arrangement 100 includes fourinput ports 108. The enclosure arrangement 100 also defines two or moreoutput openings 128 leading to the interior 107. Optical adapters 130(e.g., ruggedized adapters) can be disposed at the output openings 128to receive the drop fibers 175.

The feeder fiber 170 is routed into the enclosure 100 through the inputport 108. The feeder fiber 170 is optically coupled (e.g., spliced) tothe splitter input fiber 161 of a splitter module 140 disposed withinthe enclosure 100. The splitter output pigtails 165 of the splittermodule 140 are routed to inner ports 132 of the optical adapters 130.Connectorized ends 176 of drop fibers 175 can be plugged into outerports 131 of the optical adapters 130 to connect the drop fibers 175 tothe feeder fiber 170. In some implementations, the optical adapters 130are disposed in one or more rows. In certain implementations, each rowof adapters 130 is associated with a splitter module 140 so that theoutput pigtails 165 of the splitter module 140 are plugged into theinner ports 132 of the optical adapters 130. In the example shown, theenclosure 100 includes two rows of optical adapters 130 (see FIG. 8) andcarries two splitter modules 140 (see FIG. 9).

In some implementations, the feeder fiber 170 is coupled to the splitterinput fiber 161 at a splice tray 115. For example, one or more splicetrays 115 can be disposed at a splice region 114 within the enclosure110. In an example, the splitter input fiber 161 can be routed from thesplitter housing 141 to the splice tray 115 at which an unconnectorizedend 162 of the input fiber 161 is spliced to the feeder fiber 170. Inother implementations, the feeder fiber 170 is otherwise coupled to thesplitter input fiber 161 (e.g., using connectors and an opticaladapter).

As shown in FIG. 10, the enclosure 110 is configured to receive one ormore of the splitter modules 140. For example, the enclosure 110 candefine one or more pockets 133 at which the splitter modules 140 can bemounted. The enclosure 110 defines a mounting arrangement 134 at eachpocket 133 to engage the splitter mounting arrangement 150 of thesplitter module 140. In some implementations, the mounting arrangement134 includes one or more retaining arms 135 having laterally extendingtabs 136. In the example shown, the mounting arrangement 134 includestwo retaining arms 135 that have tabs 136 extending towards each other.In other implementations, however, the mounting arrangement 134 can havea greater or lesser number of retaining arms 135.

In some implementations, the mounting arrangement 134 includes one ormore ramped tabs 137 that protrude from an inner wall of the enclosure100. The ramped tabs 137 define shoulders 138. In the example shown, themounting arrangement 134 includes two ramped tabs 137. In otherexamples, the mounting arrangement 134 can have a greater or lessernumber of ramped tabs 137. In some implementations, the mountingarrangement 134 also includes a ramped stop 139. A ramped surface of thestop 139 can be oriented to partially face an interior wall of theenclosure 100. In the example shown, the ramped stop 139 is disposedbetween the ramped tabs 137.

To mount the splitter module 140 at the pocket 133 of the enclosure 100,the connection end 147 of the splitter module 140 is moved into thepocket 133 until the mounting arrangement 134 of the enclosure 100engages the mounting arrangement 150 of a splitter module 140. Forexample, the catches 153 of the splitter module 140 are configured toslide over the ramped tabs 137 of the enclosure until the shoulders 138of the ramped tabs 137 engages the abutment surfaces 154 of the catches153. The ramped stop 155 of the splitter module 140 abuts the rampedstop 139 of the enclosure 100 to aid in retaining the splitter module140. For example, the engagement between the ramped stops 139, 155inhibits the catches 153 from moving sufficiently to disengage theabutment surfaces 154 from the shoulders 138. In some implementations,the tabs 136 of the retaining arms 135 slide into the apertures 151 ofthe splitter module 140 as the splitter module 140 is moved (e.g., slid)into the pocket 133. The tabs 136 move along the aperture 151 until thetabs 136 slide beneath the ledges 152. Engagement between the tabs 136and the ledges 152 inhibits movement of the splitter module 140 awayfrom the enclosure 100.

As shown in FIG. 9, the enclosure 100 includes a base 110; and a cover120 coupled to the base 110. The enclosure 100 has a front 101, a rear102, a top 103, a bottom 104, a first side 105, and a second side 106.In the example shown, the base 110 defines the rear 102 of the enclosureand the cover 120 defines the front 101 of the enclosure 100. However,the terms “front,” “rear,” “top,” and “bottom” are not intended to belimited and are used for clarity. The enclosure 100 can be disposed inany desired orientation.

The base 110 is configured to be mounted to a structure (e.g., a wall orother surface). For example, the base 110 can include one or moremounting tabs 111. The cover 120 is configured to move relative to thebase 110 between a closed position and an open position. The cover 120and the base 110 cooperate to define an interior 107 when the cover 120is in the closed position (see FIG. 8). The base 110 and cover 120cooperate to activate an enclosure gasket 125 when closed. The enclosuregasket 125 inhibits ingress of contaminants through a seam between thebase 110 and the cover 120. User access to the enclosure interior 107 isprovided when the cover 120 is in the open position (see FIG. 9).

In some implementations, the cover 120 is configured to pivot relativeto the base 110. For example, the base 110 and the cover 120 can includehinge members 113, 123 that cooperate to define a hinge axis. In otherimplementations, the cover 120 is otherwise movable relative to the base110. In some implementations, the cover 120 can be locked in the closedposition. For example, a clasp arrangement 109 can hold the cover 120 inthe closed position relative to the base 110. In other implementations,the cover 120 can be latched relative to the base 110. In still otherimplementations, a pad lock or other type of lock can retain the cover120 in the closed position.

In some implementations, the optical adapters 130 are carried by thecover 120 so that inner ports 132 of the adapters 130 are accessiblefrom an interior side 122 of the cover 120 and outer ports 131 of theadapters 130 are accessible from an exterior side 121 of the cover 120.In certain implementations, the adapters 130 are angled so that theouter ports 131 face towards the input ports 108 of the enclosure 100.For example, the cover 120 can define one or more mounting surfaces 127and one or more contoured surfaces 129. The mounting surfaces 127 definethe output openings 128. In certain examples, the mounting surfaces 127are angled towards the input openings 108. The contoured surfaces 129taper from the mounting surfaces 127 to a remainder of the exterior side121 of the cover 120.

In some implementations, the splitter modules 140 are carried by thecover 120. For example, the inner side 122 of the cover 120 may defineone or more pockets 133 at which the mounting arrangements 134 aredisposed. In certain implementations, each pocket 133 is disposedbetween a row of the output ports 128 and the interior side 122 of thecontoured surface 129. The splitter module 140 is mounted at the pocket133 so that the first major surface 142 faces the base 110 and thesecond major surface 142 faces the interior side 122 of the cover 120.The splitter module 140 is shaped to fit within the pocket 133. Forexample, the convex contour of the second surface 143 of the splittermodule 140 fits against the interior side 122 of the contoured surface129 (see FIG. 11). The concave contour of the first surface 142 of thesplitter module 140 accommodates the optical adapters 130 (see FIG. 11).

In some implementations, the cover 120 defines multiple pockets 133. Incertain examples, the cover 120 defines a pocket 133 for each row ofoptical adapters 130. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the cover 120defines two pockets 133 and two rows of optical adapters 130. A splittermodule 140 is disposed at each pocket 133. Output pigtails 165 from eachsplitter module 140 are plugged into the adapters 130 in the respectiverow. In an example, the splitter modules 140 are disposed and orientedso that their minor axes A2 extend parallel to each other (see FIG. 11).

The connection end 147 of the splitter module 140 faces the mountingsurface 127 and the free end 148 of the splitter module 140 extends intothe enclosure interior 107 (see FIG. 11) when the splitter module 140 isdisposed at the pocket. In certain examples, components of the mountingarrangement 134 are disposed on the interior side 122 of the contouredsurface 129. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the ramped tabs 137 andthe retaining arms 135 can be disposed at the interior side 122 of thecontoured surface 129. In the example shown, the ramped stop 139 isdisposed at the mounting surface 127 with the ramped surface facing thecontoured surface 129.

The splitter input fiber 161 extends from the free end 148 of thesplitter module 140 towards the base 110. The output pigtails 165 extendfrom the outlet opening 167 at the free end 148. Connectorized ends 166of the output pigtails 165 are plugged into the inner ports 132 of theadapters 130. The splitter input fiber 161 extends from the inletopening 163 at the free end 148 of the splitter module 140 towards thebase 110. The cover 120 and/or the base 110 include fiber routingmembers (e.g., hooks, retaining tabs, etc.) 126 that facilitate routingthe splitter input fibers 161 from the splitter modules 140 to a splicetray 115 disposed at the base 110.

In certain examples, the splitter input fiber 161 is longer than theoutput pigtails 165. In certain examples, the splitter input fiber 161is at least twice as long as the output pigtails 165. In certainexamples, the splitter input fiber 161 is at least three times as longas the output pigtails 165. In certain examples, the splitter inputfiber 161 is at least four times as long as the output pigtails 165. Incertain examples, the splitter input fiber 161 is at least five times aslong as the output pigtails 165.

In some implementations, the base 110 defines a splice region 114 at theinterior side 112. The splice region 114 is configured to hold one ormore splice trays 115. In some implementations, the splice region 114 islocated closer to the top 103 of the enclosure 100 than to the bottom104 (see FIG. 9). The splice trays 115 enable the splitter input fibers161 to be spliced to incoming feeder fibers 170.

In some implementations, an interior side 112 of the base 110 includesan anchoring region 117 at which a feeder cable can be anchored afterentering through an input port 108. The feeder cable includes the feederfiber 170 and a jacket and/or a strength layer that can be attached tothe base 110 at the anchoring region 117. The anchoring region 117 isdisposed beneath the splice region 114. In some implementations, theinput ports 108 are defined by the base 110. In other implementations,the base 110 and the cover 120 cooperate to define the input ports 108.In the example shown in FIG. 9, the base 110 and the cover 120 eachdefine a partial port opening 116, 124 that align to form the inputports 108 when the cover 120 is closed relative to the base 110 (seeFIG. 11).

In certain implementations, the base 110 and the cover 120 cooperate toactivate a gel block 119 or other seal at the input ports 108. The gelblock 119 inhibits ingress of contaminants into the enclosure 100through the input ports 108. In some implementations, the base 110defines a sealing pocket 118 in which the gel block 119 seats. Incertain implementations, the cover 120 also can define a sealing pocketaligned with the base sealing pocket 118. In certain examples, the cover120 and base 110 compress two gel blocks 119 together when closed. Thefeeder cables are routed between the gel blocks 119.

To connect the feeder fiber 170 to the drop fibers 175, a feeder cableis routed into an enclosure 100 through an input port 108. A feederfiber 170 is routed from a terminated end of the feeder cable to asplice tray 115 carried by the base. Optionally, a cable jacket and/orstrength member of the feeder cable can be anchored to the base 110 ofthe enclosure 100. A splitter module 140 is mounted to an inner side 122of the cover 120 of the enclosure 100. Connectorized ends 166 of theoutput pigtails 165 of the splitter module 140 are plugged into innerports 132 of optical adapters 130 carried by the cover 120. Anunconnectorized end 162 of the splitter input fiber 161 is routed fromthe cover 120 to the splice tray 115 at the base 110. Theunconnectorized end 162 of the splitter input fiber 161 is spliced tothe unconnectorized end of the feeder fiber 170 and the splice is storedat the splice tray 115. Drop fibers 175 are connected to the feederfiber 170 by plugging connectorized ends 176 of the drop fibers 175 intothe outer ports 131 of the optical adapters 130.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND CORRESPONDING FEATURES

-   100 enclosure arrangement-   101 front-   102 rear-   103 top-   104 bottom-   105 first side-   106 second side-   107 interior-   108 input ports-   109 clasp arrangement-   110 base-   111 mounting tabs-   112 interior side-   113 hinges-   114 splice region-   115 splice trays-   116 partial port openings-   117 anchor location-   118 sealing pocket-   119 gel block-   120 cover-   121 exterior surface-   122 interior surface-   123 hinges-   124 partial port openings-   125 enclosure gasket-   126 cable routing structure-   127 mounting surface-   128 output openings-   129 contoured surface-   130 ruggedized adapters-   131 outer port-   132 inner port-   133 pocket-   134 mounting arrangement-   135 retaining arms-   136 tabs-   137 ramped tab-   138 shoulder-   139 ramped stop-   140 splitter module-   141 housing-   142 first major surface-   143 second major surface-   144 circumferential edge-   145 first end-   146 second end-   147 attachment end-   148 free end-   150 splitter mounting arrangement-   151 retaining apertures-   152 retaining flanges-   153 catches-   154 abutment surfaces-   155 ramped stop-   156 first part-   157 second part-   158 interior-   159 fiber routing region-   160 splitter-   160 a first end of splitter-   160 b second end of splitter-   161 input fiber-   162 unconnectorized end-   163 inlet opening-   164 inlet channel-   165 output pigtail-   166 connectorized end-   167 outlet opening-   168 outlet channel-   169 spool arrangement-   170 feeder cable-   171 unconnectorized end-   175 drop cable-   176 connectorized end-   181 grip member-   182 splice holder location-   185 latch arms-   186 recesses-   A1 major axis-   A2 minor axis

1. An enclosure arrangement comprising: a base defining a splice region;and a cover coupled to the base to move between a closed position and anopen position, the cover and the base cooperating to define an interiorwhen the cover is in the closed position, the cover providing access tothe interior when in the open position; a plurality of ruggedizedadapters disposed on the cover, each ruggedized adapter having a firstport accessible from an inner side of the cover and a second portaccessible from an outer side of the cover; and a splitter moduledisposed at the inner side of the cover, each splitter module includinga splitter disposed in a splitter housing an input fiber coupled to oneend of the splitter, and a plurality of splitter output pigtails coupledto another end the splitter, the input fiber being routed to the spliceregion of the base, the splitter output pigtails having connectorizedends.
 2. The enclosure arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cover definesa pocket at the inner side, and wherein the splitter module is disposedin the pocket.
 3. The enclosure arrangement of claim 2, wherein theruggedized adapters are disposed on the cover in a plurality of rows,and wherein the pocket is defined between adjacent rows.
 4. Theenclosure arrangement of claim 1, wherein the ruggedized adapters areangled relative to the cover to partially face an input port and whereinthe splitter module is angled relative to the cover to partially facethe input port.
 5. The enclosure arrangement of claim 1, wherein thesplitter module has a front and a rear, and wherein an intermediateportion of the splitter module housing is disposed farther rearward thanends of the splitter module housing.
 6. The enclosure arrangement ofclaim 1, wherein the splitter module housing includes two major surfacesspaced from each other by a circumferential edge wherein the majorsurfaces have a major axis EA-44 and a minor axis, and wherein the majorsurfaces are curved about the minor axis.
 7. The enclosure arrangementof claim 1, wherein the base defines an anchor location at which anfeeder cable can be anchored, and wherein the enclosure arrangementfurther comprises a gasket held between the base and the cover to enableingress of the feeder cable and to inhibit ingress of contaminants,wherein the cover is configured to cooperate with the base to activatethe gasket.
 8. The enclosure arrangement of claim 1, further comprisinga second splitter module carried by the cover, the second splittermodule extending parallel to the first splitter module
 9. The enclosurearrangement of claim 1, further comprising a cable routing structurecarried by the cover to direct the input fiber to the splitter module.10. The enclosure arrangement of claim 1, wherein a length of eachsplitter output pigtail is shorter than a length of the input fiber. 11.The splitter module of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a firstmounting arrangement at the inner side and the splitter module includesa second mounting arrangement.
 12. A splitter module comprising: ahousing defining an interior, the housing including a first majorsurface and a second major surface the housing having a major axisextending along the major surfaces from a first end of the housing to asecond end of the housing, the housing also having a minor axisextending along the major surfaces orthogonal to the major axis thehousing being contoured about the minor axis; a splitter disposed withinthe interior of the housing; an input fiber coupled to a first end ofthe splitter, the input fiber extending out of the housing and aplurality of output pigtails coupled to a second end of the splitter,each output pigtail extending out of the housing.
 13. The splittermodule of claim 12, wherein the splitter extends along the major axis ofthe housing.
 14. The splitter module of claim 12, wherein the housingincludes a first part and a second part that cooperate to define theinterior.
 15. The splitter module of claim 12, wherein the housingincludes a fiber spool arrangement disposed within the interior thatenables the output pigtails to exit the housing in at least twodifferent directions.
 16. The splitter module of claim 12, wherein theminor axis of the housing extends between an attachment end of thehousing and a free end of the housing, wherein the input fiber entersthe housing through an inlet opening at the free end.
 17. The splittermodule of claim 16, wherein the input fiber is tangentially routed intothe housing 0444 through an inlet channel.
 18. The splitter module ofclaim 16, wherein the output pigtails exit the housing at an outletopening that is inwardly offset from the free end of the housing.
 19. Asplitter module comprising: a housing defining an interior, the housingincluding a first major surface, the housing having a major axisextending along the major surfaces from a first end of the housing to asecond end of the housing the housing also having a minor axis extendingalong the major surface orthogonal to the major axis; an inlet channeldefined in the housing and leading to an inlet opening a portion of theinlet channel extending parallel to the major axis; a plurality ofoutlet channels defined in the housing and leading to an outlet opening,portions of the outlet channels extending parallel to the major axis;and a fiber routing region defined in the housing, the fiber routingregion including a spool arrangement, the fiber routing region beingaccessible from the inlet channel and to the outlet channels.
 20. Thesplitter module of claim 19, wherein the housing is notched at the freeend to provide access to the inlet opening facing the first end of thehousing.
 21. The splitter module of claim 20, wherein the outlet openingis inwardly offset from the inlet opening.
 22. The splitter module ofclaim 20, wherein the outlet opening is defined at a location at whichthe outlet channels meet.
 23. A method of connecting a feeder fiber to aplurality of drop fibers, the method comprising: routing the feederfiber into an enclosure having a base and a cover; routing the feederfiber to a splice tray carried by the base at an interior side of thebase; mounting a splitter module to an interior side of the cover;routing an input fiber of the splitter module to the splice tray; andplugging connectorized ends of splitter output pigtails into inner portsof ruggedized adapters carried by the cover, wherein the splittermodule, the ruggedized adapters, and the splitter output pigtails arecarried together by the cover.
 24. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising splicing the feeder fiber to the input fiber at the splicetray.
 25. The method of claim 23, further comprising activating asealing arrangement by moving the cover relative to the base to a closedposition.